Browns 2023 draft: Early 7-round mock aids new defensive coordinator
By Randy Gurzi
Round 4, Pick 123: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
Right now, wide receiver is a need for the Browns but it’s not a major need. They had more than 1,000 yards from Amari Cooper and 839 yards from Donovan Peoples-Jones. They never saw Anthony Schwartz take a step forward as they hoped and David Bell had just 24 receptions as a rookie.
It’s not time to give up on Bell but they need to add more options which is why they use their second pick in Round 4 on Xavier Hutchingsom from Iowa State. A big target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Hutchinson can play on the outside and allow Cooper to move around — causing even more headaches for opposing defenses.
What a snag!@CycloneFB WR Xavier Hutchinson makes an impressive catch to put Iowa State up 21-0 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1hrQlNvBHQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 21, 2020
Hutchinson needs to improve as a run blocker but his size and ability to high-point the ball make him an interesting addition.
Round 5, Pick 139: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
No team has had more injuries at linebacker than the Cleveland Browns have in recent years. In 2022, Anthony Walker, Jr., Jordan Phillips, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramaoah, Sione Takitaki, and Jordan Kunaszyk were all on the IR by season’s end.
They also have to figure out what to do with Walker and Takitaki who are both free agents. Chances are, with a new coordinator, they could be looking to move on and add new faces. That’s why Dorian Williams from Tulane is the pick here.
Williams looks the part at 6-foot-2 and 230-pounds and was all over the field in 2022 with 78 tackles, five sacks, and two picks. He will need time to develop after playing at Tulane but could turn into a future starter.